One of the highlights of this summer has been the introduction of Fairy Acres, a magical space where children can unleash their creativity by building fairy homes from natural materials. Now in its third week, Fairy Acres has become a beloved spot for young visitors, sparking imagination and fostering a deep connection with nature.

Our annual Nature Camp, supported by United Community Bank, was another resounding success. This one-week day camp, designed for special needs students, is at the heart of our mission. It provides a nurturing environment where students can learn, grow, and find healing through the wonders of nature.

A new event this summer was the ‘Dress Like a Fairy’ contest. We were so happy to see a diverse group of contestants spanning all ages and cultural backgrounds. The photos of the contestants were posted online, and the winner was determined by the number of 'likes' received. Dale, one of our former students, won the contest. When asked how she would like to use her prize of a fairy tea party, Dale expressed her desire to invite all the other contestants. This moment brought tears to our eyes, reminding us that success happens on many levels.

So many artists, gardeners and photographers look forward to the dahlias in bloom.  With over 600 varieties, this garden has been lovingly tended by a dedicated group of gardeners.  The dahlia team can be found most mornings watering, fertilizing, pinching, and weeding this garden, and their love shows through each bloom.  By this time in the summer, the flowers are just hitting their stride. We offer exclusive evenings in the dahlia gardens for those who want to enjoy these flowers and support Bullington.  

With summer winding down, we are ready to transition into our fall school schedule. We’re filled with gratitude for the experiences and connections made this summer and look forward to continuing our mission in the months ahead.  In just a few weeks, our Exceptional Children program and the Boost 10th graders will take center stage again.   We hope you find a chance to visit in the fall when Bob Bullington’s maples put on their show.  

Thank you for being a part of the Bullington Gardens community.

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Nancy's passing on July 17st after an unforeseen illness. Nancy, though small in stature, was immense in determination and spirit. She embodied resilience and showed us all what it means to dream big and persevere. Her example of strength and dedication has left an indelible mark on Bullington Gardens.

In her professional life, Nancy was a Facilities Administrator at Colorado State University. After retiring, she and Gary relocated to NC to be closer to their family. A life-long gardener and plant enthusiast, she found Bullington in 2008 through her participation in the Extension Master Gardener program. From that day forward, she put her business skills to use for the benefit of Bullington. Her efforts as lead writer on the grants team brought in funding for construction of the therapy garden greenhouse, the head-house restoration, and several paving projects, as well as many smaller annual grants from local organizations. Nancy also tracked all grants, both received and denied to be sure we did not miss any opportunities. As Bullington grew, she assumed leadership of the BLT (Bullington Leadership Team) volunteers that organize and run sales and other fund-raising functions.

Nancy and Gary put their combined talents together to play a crucial role in our plant sales. They assisted with propagation, created lists and pricing formulas, and tracked the location of all the plants. Nancy also produced all the signs for our extensive vegetable offerings at the spring sale,  while Gary is one of our go-to experts for customers with questions.

Her absence leaves a significant gap in our community. Nancy's presence was felt by all as she tended the gardens near the entry kiosk and welcomed visitors and volunteers. Her spirit lives on in our hearts. We all share in her legacy, the collective effort to make our world a bit greener and more beautiful. Her dedication has inspired us all to continue this important work.

We are planning to place a memorial near the kiosk garden that Nancy tended. If you wish to donate to this effort, you may use the ‘Honor Donation’ function on our website. When you get to the checkout stage, please add a note that it is in honor of Nancy. Donations also may be made by phone with credit card, or by check.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Bullington Gardens team

Bullington Gardens is thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of its new Storywalk, an illustrated journey that brings to life the tale of the Bullington fairies and their migration adventure with the monarch butterflies. The story will be available to view at Bullington Gardens on Labor Day, Monday Sept 2.

The Storywalk will be installed along the garden’s scenic fairy trail. Visitors will read about the enchanting story of how the Bullington fairies make friends with the monarchs and join them on their migration to Mexico after the summer. This delightful addition to Bullington Gardens offers an educational and entertaining experience for all ages.

This project was made possible through the generous support of the Henderson Tourism Development Authority (TDA), whose grant funded the creation and installation of the Storywalk. In addition to the Storywalk, Bullington Gardens has added new benches, picnic tables, and a Butterfly Breezeway this year. The Butterfly Breezeway is a dedicated space that supports the life cycles of hundreds of pollinators making it a vibrant and vital addition to the gardens.

“We are excited to invite the community to celebrate the opening of our Storywalk,” said Annie Higgins, Director at Bullington Gardens. “This new feature not only enhances the beauty and educational value of our gardens but also provides a unique way for visitors to connect with nature and the enchanting world of the Bullington fairies.”

Besides the storywalk opening, Bullington would like to recognize a longtime supporter, Green River Bee Company, whose store flooded with recent heavy rains. All donations to Bullington on this day will go towards their clean up. Green River Bee Company will also have a tent with educational and product information on that day.

Summer & Fall Classes

Become a Friend of Bullington Gardens or renew your membership!

At Bullington Gardens, we’re more than just a garden—we’re a community of nature lovers, educators, and gardeners. Thanks to you, we’ve been able to grow and connect with so many people.

We’d love for you to renew your membership. Your support helps us keep educating, inspiring, and enriching lives through horticulture.

Renewing is easy! Visit our website, follow the link below or call us at 828-698-6104. Your ongoing support ensures Bullington Gardens remains a cherished spot for generations.

Thank you for being a vital part of our garden family. We look forward to growing together!

Warm regards,

A Garden with Heart